DALLAS, Texas — Have you ever seen a piano worth One Million Dollars? You’ll have your chance Wednesday November 14, 2007 through Friday November 16, 2007, at the Piano Gallery in Dallas, and on Saturday November 17, 2007 when International Pianist and Baldwin Artist Lomascola plays one of the world’s most expensive and rare pianos at the Casa Manana Theatre in Fort Worth, Texas.
Covered in over 10,000 mirrored tiles, rhinestones, sequins and jewels, the custom order grand piano was made by the Baldwin Piano Company in 1975 for LIBERACE. It is touring as a featured “historical instrument” in Lomascola’s trademarked “Million Dollar Piano” show. The world’s greatest piano entertainment show direct from Las Vegas features famous piano music played in dazzling Las Vegas style and dynamic showmanship. Lomascola, who performed the show at the Bellagio and Riviera Hotels on the Las Vegas Strip says, “this is the most amazing piano I’ve ever played. Just knowing its history, I believe this piano is priceless…and the sound, just wait until you hear the sound. You won’t believe it.”
The show is sponsored by Piano Gallery and the Baldwin Piano Company and is the highlight of a weekend long Baldwin and Piano Gallery million dollar piano EXPO and sale of which partial proceeds benefit Casa Manana’s community outreach performing troupe, the “Casa Kids.” Each fall, Casa Manana auditions students from the Casa Manana’s Theatre School program and selects up to 16 talented young performers to join the troupe. Once selected, these talented youngsters provide arts entertainment for a variety of audiences in the community. Known as Casa Manana’s “Goodwill Ambassadors”, these youngsters perform a song-and-dance revue throughout the local area at nursing homes, hospitals, retirement communities and at events such as Mayfest, Oktoberfest, the Montessori Physical Fitness Fair and the Main Street Arts Festival. Additionally, they have traveled and performed at Walt Disney World, the Epcot Center, Opryland, Fiesta Texas, the Carnival Cruise Line and in Nagaoka, Japan as part of the Sister Cities Exchange Program.
In addition to the “Casa Kids” community outreach program, Piano Gallery is sponsoring the Young Artist Piano Competition. The Grand Prize winner of the competition wins a new Baldwin Artist Console Piano ($8,000 value) and a once in a lifetime chance to play Baldwin’s million dollar mirrored piano on stage in Lomascola’s Saturday evening concert. Winner to be announced on News Radio 1080 KRLD.
Lomascola, who many fans call the Andre Rieu of piano, is winning the hearts and smiles of people all over the world. No one plays the piano like Lomascola and all tend to agree that he has a supernatural ability to sit at the piano and transport the listener to a realm never before experienced. Lomascola began playing the piano entirely by ear at the age of two and today is one of the world’s most amazing improvisers of music. The legendary pianist Roger Williams says, “he’s the best I’ve heard so far” as he describes Lomascola’s interpretation of Williams’ 1955 hit Autumn Leaves.
Lomascola earned his Master of Music degree and scholarship awards from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and has appeared extensively on the Las Vegas strip. He tours for the Baldwin Piano Company as a Baldwin Artist and clinician giving concerts, workshops, master classes and seminars. In addition to his concert tour schedule, Lomascola also performs benefit concerts for the Oprah Winfrey Angel Network and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“If you’ve never experienced a Lomascola concert, you are long overdue” says his director of marketing, Beverly Bean. “It is absolutely the most beautiful music that you will never forget.” Accompanied by musical director Ron Burch and lush Lomascola orchestral arrangements, Lomascola’s “Million Dollar Piano” show answers the question that everyone seems to be asking these days, “what ever happened to good music?”
“I think my timing is right”, says Lomascola, “because we are in a time right now when our society needs this music and this type of entertainment that anymore is in very short supply. When I look into the audience and see the peace, joy and happiness in people’s faces, I know they are enjoying my music and that I am helping to make this world a better place.”
Baldwin’s million dollar mirrored piano will be on display at Piano Gallery in Fort Worth located at 13520 Inwood Rd. Dallas, Texas 75244. Viewing hours are November 14, 15 & 16 from 10am to 6pm and November 18 from 10am to 6pm.
Piano Gallery will also host a variety of free Master classes, teacher seminars, children’s concerts and special events with Lomascola during the EXPO. If you would like to participate or want more information please call Piano Gallery at 972-490-KEYS (5397).
Information about Lomascola is available on-line at http://www.milliondollarpiano.com.
